- The Explore the Bible lesson for Aug. 25 focuses on Titus 3:1-11.
I recently heard a Christian television teacher say she wakes up and asks God, “Who can I be good to today?” She noted, without fail, God is faithful to put someone on her mind or heart. Or she may see someone she has not seen in a while, and they look like they need a blessing.
This person could be characterized as living to do. She definitely is looking to do good works. Further, she is proactive about it. I love how this lesson encouragers believers to look for opportunities to do good works as acts of worship.
When good work is offered as an act of worship, no one other than those involved and God need to know. The act is intentional, joyful and full of God-filled expectations.
Good Deeds (Titus 3:1-2)
It could be said we are saved in order to do good. Someone shared the good news of Christ with us, and we received salvation. It is only right to share the good news of Christ with others who are not saved—a good deed done.
Titus is urged to remind the Cretan believers to be mindful of rules and authorities. Further, obedience is required, and they are called to do good, not evil. They are to be peaceful rather than confrontational, considerate instead of rude and gentle as opposed to abrasive.
What are some good examples of how to demonstrate our faith with godly actions?
Based on His Mercy (Titus 3:3-7)
Paul reminds us that before we were believers (and maybe even at times now) our behavior was far from stellar. We are to use this knowledge and remember our own foolish ways as an avenue to forgive others and do good works.
God, in his goodness, saves us and then delivers us from ungodly ways because of his great mercy and through the Holy Spirit. It’s not because of anything we have done, or any works performed, but because he is a good God. And, because he is a good God, we are motivated to do good.
The Holy Spirit has been generously shared with us through Jesus, and because of his grace, we are justified. Our Christ-centered justification means we can look forward with expectancy to the hope of eternal life.
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Done on Purpose (Titus 3:8-11)
Throughout these Scriptures, emphasis has been placed on the importance of doing good. For instance, are we living as Christians? Are we helping, encouraging and serving others? Are we faithfully reading God’s word, obeying and worshiping him? It is noted these are evidence that we believe in God and that we have truly embraced his salvation (2 Peter 1:3-8).
Purposefully, we are to avoid foolishness and all its ways—conversations, arguments, debates and so forth. It is useless and distracts believers from what God is trying to do in their lives. Titus is encouraged to share with a conflict-ridden person twice and then be done. Life will teach and take care of this person.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your word. You are a good God who calls us to good deeds as an act of worship. Help us to fulfill this call, in Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Lisa M. Rainey, PhD., is a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Mansfield, Texas.
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